Tired of simple silver and boring tan? Step into the world of colorful knitting needles in lovely stained wood tones and richly pigmented acrylics.
Knitting is not only a relaxing and rewarding craft, but also an art form. And just like any other form of art, the tools we use can enhance our experience and inspire our creativity. That's why we've put together a list of the most beautiful knitting needles on the market. From hand-mixed acrylic resin to richly stained woods, each set of needles is a work of art in its own right. So take a moment to explore this collection of gorgeous needles and find the perfect set to elevate your knitting to the next level.
Our favorite colorful wooden needles
Vibrant and Versatile KnitPicks Options
KnitPicks Options are a popular choice with many colors of wood stain at a reasonable price. The needles are made of smooth, polished birch wood and come in a range of stunning wood tones. The interchangeable set includes 9 pairs of 4.75" needles ranging from US4 to US11, along with four cable lengths (24", 32", 40", and 47") and various accessories such as end caps and cable connectors in a simple clear vinyl case. The newest colorways Foursquare, Caspian, Majestic, and Radiant are also available in a "shorties" interchangeable set with sizes US4 to US10, with tips that are 2.75" and a total length of 16". The current colorways are:
- Rainbow, a variegated wood tone with accents of multiple bright colors
- Radiant, a richly warm gradient of yellow, orange, red, and violet
- Caspian, a needle marked by marine-inspired waves of teal and blue
- Majestic, a gem-toned swirl of deep purple and blue hues
- Mosaic, combining tones from Radiant, Caspian, and Majestic
- Foursquare, a deep purple with waves of teal and green, shaped into an ergonomic rounded square design that doesn't roll
The cables are flexible, memory-free, and have relatively smooth joins, though like many interchangeable sets, they do require a key (included) to tighten and loosen the joins. Rather than printed where it may rub off, the Options interchangeable series have all the sizes etched into the metal join in both US and metric units, so you'll never wonder if you grabbed the right size. At approximately $70 a set, they are the most affordable stained wood needle package, and yet sacrifice very little in the way of quality.
If you're not one for circular needles, Knit Picks makes all of the colorways available in straight and double-pointed needles starting in size US0, all covered under KnitPick's 1-year warranty. All of these colorways are delightful, though if you can't choose, we suggest Mosaic, as it combines tones from Radiant, Caspian, and Majestic in different sizes, making it easy to tell them apart.
Dreamy Hues and Smooth Texture: Knitter's Pride Symfonie Dreamz
Knitter's Pride Symfonie Dreamz needles are another a high-quality option made from FSC™ certified laminated birch wood. Each size of these needles is in a different shade, ranging from warm earth tones to bright jewel tones, giving them a unique and beautiful appearance. The needles have a smooth surface that is easy on the hands and ensures that your yarn glides effortlessly. The parent company also distributes a similar set of needles in in Europe under the brand KnitPro Symfonie (pictured above at the top of the page). Rather than different colors for each size, these imported Symfonie needles are all stained in the same rainbow hue.
The US interchangeable set comes in a clear vinyl case with 9 pairs of needles ranging in size from US4 to US11, 4 cables in lengths of 24", 32", and 40", and various accessories such as end caps, cable connectors, and a needle gauge. The needles are printed with both US and metric sizes across the wood body of the needle, rather than etched into the join as the KnitPicks Options, which the manufacturer warns may lighten or wear off. The flexible no-kink colorful cables have a smooth join and a keyed connector.
In addition to the interchangeable set, the Special 16" interchangeable set, and the Knitter's Pride Symfonie Dreamz Chunky set, Knitter's Pride also offers fixed circular, straight, and double-pointed needles in the Symfonie Dreamz line. The fixed circular needles come in lengths ranging from 16" to 60", and the straight and double-pointed needles come in sizes ranging from US0 to US19. Knitter's Pride offers a 1-year warranty. You can find these sets around $65 online and at local yarn stores.
For a less vivid option, the Symfonie Rosewood needles are stained and textured like rosewood (with the same sustainably sourced laminated birch base as the rest of the Symfonie lines). Symfonie Rosewood Cubics are squared off like the KnitPicks Foursquare needles above, making them ideal for knitters with hand pain.
LYKKE: A larger, luxury set of colorful wood needles with a cozy aesthetic
LYKKE needles are a stunning set of knitting needles that have been carefully crafted from durable and high-quality materials. These needles are made of strong birch wood that has been dyed with a deep, rich indigo color. The dye used to create the color is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, ensuring that you can use these needles with complete peace of mind.
The sky blue LYKKE Indigo interchangeable set includes 12 pairs of needles ranging in size from US4 to US17, with each pair measuring 5" in length. Additionally, the set includes five cords (two 24", two 32", and one 40"), two cord connectors, four keys, and eight stoppers in a denim case. This set has more pairs than the other wood knitting needle sets we're reviewing on this page, and LYKKE has an extraordinarily long 5-year product warranty against defects.
LYKKE Indigo needles are also available in a set of 5.5", 6.5" and 7.5" tips in the long interchangeable set as well as in a set of DPNs.
In addition to indigo, LYKKE sells a bright green set in Grove as well as a neon pink set in Blush Fuschia. Both sets are available in the original 5" needle length as well as 3.5" and have color-coordinated cases.
What many knitters love about the LYKKE wood needles is their smooth and polished surface, which makes them incredibly easy to work with. The tips are pointed enough to easily pick up stitches, but not so sharp as to cause any splitting or snagging of the yarn. The needle sizes are etched into the metal base of the join rather than painted on the wood. If DPNs are more your speed, check out the LYKKE Double Pointed Gift Sets in sizes US0-US5 or US6-US13.
LYKKE needles are a sophisticated choice and the high-quality construction ensures that these needles will last for many years to come. At around $130, this set is a little pricier than some other options, but given the generous number of needles and accessories included, we think it's well worth the investment for serious knitters who want the best tools for their craft.
Royale Metal Tips on Stained Wood Grain
Distributed under Knitter's Pride in the US, but KnitPro in the UK, the Royale set is beautifully crafted out of laminated birch with sharp, electroplated brass tips on each of 9 pairs of 4.5" needles ranging in size from US4 to US11. The set also includes four cords (one 24", two 32", and one 40"), one set of cord connectors, eight end caps, and four cord keys in a stylish fabric case for a little over $100.
One of the most distinctive elements of Knitter's Pride Royale needles is their sharp, tapered metal tips, which make them ideal for intricate stitches and detailed work. The smooth and polished surface of the needles allows for easy and effortless knitting, with sizes printed on the body (circulars, DPN and straight) or etched into the join (interchangeables).
At around $80, the Knitter's Pride Royale set is an investment for your knitting hobby, but its high-quality construction and luxurious finish make it worth the price. If you prefer knitting with double-pointed needles, check out the Knitter's Pride Royale Double Pointed Needle Set, which includes 5 sets of needles ranging in size from US4 to US11 in a beautifully crafted fabric case. Knitter's Pride also sells a lovely set of 9 pairs of single pointed straight needles in colored birch wood.
Metal Marvels: Knitting Needles that Shine
For some knitters, wood needles are too grippy or fragile. Metal knitting needles offer a sleek, modern look and are highly durable.
A dazzling set of aluminum needles with a rainbow finish
Knit Picks Options Prism needles are a stunning set of colorful, interchangeable circular needles that are perfect for knitters who love a pop of color in their crafting tools but prefer to knit with metal needles. We described the stained wood Options series above, but they are also available in a smooth metal needle.
Knit Picks Options Prism needles are a gorgeous set of interchangeable knitting needles made of lightweight aluminum. Each needle size is assigned a unique, bright color that makes it easy to quickly find the needle size you need. The color scheme is perfect for those who like to add a touch of personality to their crafting projects.
The Knit Picks Options Prism set includes nine pairs of needles ranging in size from US4 to US11, with each pair measuring 4.5" in length. The set also includes four cords (one 24", two 32", and one 40"), two cord keys, and eight end caps. The needles and accessories are stored in a clear vinyl case, making it easy to keep your knitting needles organized and accessible.
One of the most distinctive elements of Knit Picks Options Prism needles is their smooth surface, which allows for easy and quick knitting. The aluminum material is lightweight, yet strong and durable. Overall, Knit Picks Options Prism needles are a great choice for knitters who want a set of needles that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The set is affordably priced at around $60, making it a great value for a high-quality set of interchangeable circular needles.
Sleek and Stylish: Knitter's Pride Zing
Knitter's Pride Zing, also sold as KnitPro Zing, are another set of sleek and stylish knitting needles made from lightweight, durable aluminum. These needles come in vibrant colors with a metallic finish and silver-toned tips, making them both eye-catching and easy to work with.
The Zing needles are available in a wide range of sizes, from US0 to US17, and come in various lengths including 9", 16", 24", and 32" for circular needles, as well as 10" and 14" for straight needles. The needles feature sharp and tapered tips, which allow for easy and precise stitch work. The tips are color-coded by size and labeled with the sizes in US and metric printed across the body of the needle. The smooth surface of the needles allows the yarn to glide effortlessly over them without being too prone to slip loose.
One thing we love about the Zing needles is their affordability. They are priced lower than many other metal needles on the market, making them an excellent option for knitters who want a high-quality needle without breaking the bank. A set of 7 interchangeable keyed circular needles and two cables sets you back only about $45, while a set of 9 needles in sizes US4-US11 and 4 cables runs around $90. You can also find Zing straight needles and a zippered set of DPNs for socks for about $50.
If you'd like to gift these beautiful needles, Knitter's Pride distributes a special musical edition of their Zing 'Melodies of Life' Interchangeables in a custom gift box. The Melodies of Life colorway is more jewel-toned than the bright regular Zings.
Ultra-premium needles made from aircraft-grade aluminum
Signature Needle Arts needles are a premium set of knitting needles made in the USA using high-quality materials, and they have been designed to provide excellent performance and precision.
The Signature Needle Arts needles are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including straight, circular, and double-pointed needles, as well as a less traditional take on interchangeable needles the manufacturer identifies as "convertible". They are made from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes them extremely durable and lightweight with a hard, smooth, and colorful finish that is resistant to wear and tear.
The tips of these needles are made from high-quality surgical-grade stainless steel, which is known for its sharpness, strength, and resistance to rust and corrosion. The silver-toned tips are finely tapered and polished to a high shine with the body of each needle pair provided in a different color.
Unique to Signature Needle Arts, the convertible circular needles are not "interchangeable" — the cables are precisely sized to each needle diameter. This makes for the smoothest possible join, though not the most adaptable set.
Ordering directly from Signature Needle Arts gives you the ability to personalize the needles with your own name or a short message for an additional $90. The personalization is laser-engraved onto the needle, which ensures that it will last for the lifetime of the needle.
While the cost of Signature Needle Arts needles is significantly higher than some other options on the market at more than $300 for a 3-size set of convertible circulars, the quality and durability of these needles is unmatched and covered by a lifetime warranty.
Embrace the Rainbow of Beautiful Acrylic Needles
Affordable and Colorful: KnitPro Trendz
A less common material to find in popular knitting manufacturing, the company behind KnitPro and Knitter’s Pride has an affordable line of acrylic resin needles in bright colors. The KnitPro Trendz needles are solid, semi-translucent, and brightly colored, making them easy to spot in your knitting bag. Metric-only needle sizes are etched onto the needles, so they won't rub off with use. The acrylic material provides a certain amount of grab, and knitters find them useful for slippery yarns like silk. They also warm up faster in the hand than metal needles. The Trendz line is available in Europe or imported to the US in all needle styles: straight, double-pointed, fixed circular, and interchangeable circular.
The KnitPro Trendz interchangeable circular needles are available in a set that includes 9 needle sizes (US4-US11) and four cable lengths (24", 32", 40", and 47"), along with cable connectors, cable keys, and end caps, all for an economical 45. The set comes in a clear vinyl case with snap closures, making it easy to keep your needles organized and portable.
Eye-catching Multicolor Design: Knitter's Pride Marblz
The limited-edition Knitter’s Pride Marblz needles are hand-mixed acrylic with a unique multicolor pattern to every needle, making each one truly one-of-a-kind. The needle sizes in both US and metric are printed on the needles, so you can easily identify the size you need, but are not etched, so you may experience the numbers wear off over time. Like the Trendz line, the Marblz line is available in all needle styles: straight, double-pointed, fixed circular, and interchangeable circular, though they are no longer produced and are quickly selling out.
Comparison of all interchangeable needles on this page
| Needle Brand | Needle Body Material | Available Needle Sizes | Needle Tip Length* | Available Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knit Picks Options | Birch wood | US4 - US17 | 2.75", 4.75" | Multicolor, various color families |
| Knitters' Pride Symfonie Dreamz | Birch wood | US0 - US17 | 4", 4.5", 5" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| LYKKE | Birch wood | US0 - US17 | 3.5", 5", 5.5", 6.5", 7.5" | Indigo blue, Grove green, Fuschia Blush pink |
| Knitter's Pride Royale | Birch wood | US4 - US17 | 4.5" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| Knit Picks Options Prism | Aluminum | US4 - US11 | 4.75" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| Knitter's Pride Zing | Aluminum | US0 - US17 | 4.5", 5" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| Signature Needle Arts | Aluminum | US2 - US17 | 4", 5", 6" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| KnitPro Trendz | Acrylic Resin | US4 - US17 | 4.5", 5" | Multiple colors, one each size |
| Knitter's Pride Marblz | Acrylic Resin | US4 - US17 | 3.5" | Multicolor, similar each size |
* Interchangeable tip length. Some lengths not available in all sizes.
